First the resident will
complete a pre-test, composed of 10 surgical pathology
reports, with all patient identifiers removed. For each
case, the resident will document the appropriate CPT
code(s) and a description of the specimen/stain that is
associated with each CPT code. For cases in which there
are multiple specimens/stains/studies/etc with the same
billing code, the resident should choose the correct
number of items from the drop down box and then
specifically list each item within the description box.
For example, a case that consists of a colon biopsy, a
stomach biopsy, immunostain for H. pylori and a CK7
would be documented as follows:

Case

CPT Code

# items

Description

Case X

88305

x 2

1 Colon biopsy, 1 stomach
biopsy

88342

x 2

IHC
for H. pylori, CK7

Additionally, two
questions in regards to the charges incurred will be
included. For the pre-test, the resident will be
provided with the relevant pages of the CPT coding book.

Instructions:

Review each surgical
pathology report and enter the billing code(s)/charge(s)
that would be applied to it using the drop-down menu of
CPT codes. In the next column, write a brief description
of what specimen type/special stain/etc is applied to
the billing code (For example 88342- CK17; 88313-
trichrome, 88305- cervix biopsy).

NAME:
E-MAIL:

1. How much is billed for an 88305
surgical pathology case (most biopsies)? (choose one only)

a. $109

b. $155

c. $268

d. $326

2. How much is billed for a single
immunohistochemical stain? (choose one only)

a. $ 97

b. $164

c. $340

d. $490

3) Indicate your level
of understanding of coding?

a) none

b) minimal

c) moderate

d) very strong

5) Do you think
residents should have more responsibility in coding
during training?

a) Yes

b) No

4) How much
instruction have you received during you residency
training on billing:

a) none

b) minimal

c) some

d) a lot

1. Review the following cases (Each PDF file will open in a
different window)

2. Select choices for each
case (all cases
require at least one CPT value) (click the Ctrl key to
choose more than one value)